THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University football team had two players named to the Associated Press (AP) FCS All-America teams as offensive lineman Mark Barthelemy and safety Tyler Morton both were second-team selections.

The duo join running back Jaylon Spears as an all-American selection this season. Spears was named third-team by FCS Football Central.

In his fourth year as a starter, Barthelemy anchored the left side of the offensive line at tackle and was named Southland Conference Lineman of the Year. The Colonels averaged nearly 220 yards on the ground in league games and had two running backs named All-SLC First Team -- Spears and Collin Guggenheim. The offensive line also ranked second in the league in tackles for loss allowed and sacks allowed. A native of Opelousas, Louisiana, Barthelemy was also a first-team All-SLC honoree. 

Morton also received several accolades this season, earning All-Southland First Team along with two league Player of the Week awards, two national honorable mentions and one Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) honor. For the year, Morton totaled 63 tackles with 4.0 for loss and had four of the defense's 16 interceptions. Morton ranked eighth in the FCS in interceptions per game, helping the Colonels to the second-most picks in the FCS. The St. Rose, Louisiana native had two games where he was responsible for two turnovers -- two picks against HCU and an interception and forced fumble at McNeese. 

The All-America team is selected for AP by a panel of sports writers and sports information directors who cover FCS.